Word Origin & History

Mecca 1823, from Arabic Makkah, sacred city of Islam, birthplace of Muhammad, which every Muslim must visit at least once. Origins have been proposed in Phoenician maqaq "ruined" or Arabic mahrab "sanctuary." Fig. sense of "any place one holds supremely sacred" (usually with lower-case m-) is from 1850.

Example Sentences for mecca

Then follows the reference to his visit to Mecca, already cited (p. 296).

Mahommed had his religion and himself recognised about the year 622 at Mecca.

In one corner is a plan of Mecca, the holy temple, and tomb of the Prophet.

Jeddah, the seaport of Mecca, with its bright minarets, is to be seen in the distance.

Mecca and Medina were taken some time ago by the Wahabees, a sect yearly increasing.

Datu Patinghi was therefore advised to go a pilgrimage to Mecca.

He was born at Mecca of an honorable family, belonging to the Koreish tribe.

He had a green turban upon his head, which marked him as a Mecca pilgrim.

He laughs at Lorette and at Mecca; but he succours the needy and defends the oppressed.